iCS2 EG inline concentration sensor

iCS² PG | Propylene Glycol Sensor

The iCS² PG is a compact, ready-to-use inline sensor for continuous monitoring of propylene glycol-based antifreeze solutions and propylene glycol-water mixtures. It measures concentration directly in the process line, reducing manual sampling and providing continuous data for process control. Changes in the medium’s composition can be detected early and corrected through the process control system. This helps maintain antifreeze concentration within the optimal range, supporting system efficiency and equipment longevity. Thanks to its compact design, the iCS² PG integrates easily into existing systems, even where installation space is limited. The sensor delivers stable, accurate measurements despite heavy fouling or ambient light exposure, without requiring cleaning. Its maintenance-free operation makes it suitable for demanding industrial environments. The iCS² PG offers reliable continuous propylene glycol concentration monitoring in industrial processes.

Checkpoints

  • Compact, lightweight design, ideal for confined installation spaces and modern process environments
  • Continuous concentration measurement directly in the running process
  • Reliable propylene glycol concentration measurement without the need for regular manual sampling
  • Easy integration into existing systems and process control environments
  • Digital communication via an RS485 Modbus RTU interface
  • Exceptional resistance to ambient light interference and fouling, ensuring reliable operation without cleaning
  • Maintenance-free concentration measurement for industrial applications
  • Continuous measurement data for concentration monitoring and process control
  • Proven technology, particularly effective for monitoring propylene glycol-based antifreeze and heat-transfer fluids
process solutions

Easy to Use

The iCS² PG has been designed for applications with limited installation space and environments exposed to ambient light. The inline refractometer sensor can be connected directly to a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a higher-level process control system via an RS485 Modbus RTU interface. Inline concentration measurement provides continuous measurement data for process control. Integrated temperature measurement records the temperature of the process medium at the measuring surface. UniConfig PC software is available for device configuration and data acquisition. Communication with a computer is established using the optional RS485-to-USB adapter cable. This allows users to configure device settings and collect measurement data quickly and easily on a PC.

Applications

The iCS² PG continuously monitors propylene glycol concentration wherever it is used as an antifreeze, coolant, or heat-transfer fluid. Typical applications include heating and cooling circuits, industrial cooling systems, heat-transfer installations, process cooling, and closed-loop systems.

Data center cooling is a particularly important application. Propylene glycol-water mixtures are used in chillers, heat rejection systems, and free cooling installations. Maintaining the correct glycol concentration helps ensure sufficient freeze protection for outdoor equipment while supporting heat-transfer performance and energy efficiency.

In aviation, propylene glycol-based deicing and antifreeze fluids are used in aircraft deicing operations. Continuous concentration monitoring helps maintain fluid effectiveness, optimize consumption, and reduce operating costs. At airports, process refractometers can also monitor glycol-containing wastewater collected through drainage systems for subsequent treatment.

Product in depth

The iCS² PG operates on the principle of total internal reflection. An LED light source with a wavelength of 589 nm is used for optical refractive index measurement directly in the process medium. Based on the integrated propylene glycol concentration scale, the measured refractive index values are converted into corresponding concentration values. The combination of refractive index measurement, temperature measurement, and digital data transmission enables continuous, real-time concentration measurement in automated processes. Measurement data is transmitted to the process control system via the RS485 Modbus RTU interface, where it can be used for monitoring or control purposes. This ensures seamless integration into existing processes. With its compact design, the iCS² PG provides a reliable, maintenance-free inline concentration measurement solution for propylene glycol in continuous industrial operation.

In Practice

The iCS² PG has been specifically developed for the continuous concentration measurement of propylene glycol and the monitoring of propylene glycol-water mixtures in industrial processes. It is particularly suitable for applications where the concentration of antifreeze and heat-transfer fluids must be monitored and controlled directly in the process. Concentration determination is based on precise refractive index measurement, from which the propylene glycol concentration can be calculated in real time using a dedicated propylene glycol concentration scale. This eliminates the need for routine manual sampling and allows concentration monitoring without interrupting the process. Continuous measurement data enables reliable monitoring and control of propylene glycol concentration. Deviations from specified concentration ranges can be detected at an early stage, helping to maintain the required freeze protection and thermal properties of the process fluid. At the same time, this contributes to reduced downtime and lower operating costs.

iCS2 PG In Practice

Specifications

Measuring scales

Propylene glycol

Measuring range

1.3230 – 1.4036 RI
0 – 66.0 %wt
(up to 85 %wt on request)

Resolution

0.00007 RI / 0.1 %wt

Accuracy*

± 0.0002 RI / ± 0.3 %w

Reproducibility / Precision*

± 0.0001 RI / ± 0.15 %wt

Process temperature**

– 35 to + 80 °C

Process pressure

0 – 10 bar

Interfaces standard

RS485 Modbus RTU, 4-pin M8 plug, M8 cable 90° 300 mm

Dimension

44 mm (60 mm incl. 90° Cable) x Ø 40 mm

Weight 155 g

*Standard conditions (t= 20 °C, p= 1013 mbar)
** Non-freezing

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